Steve Kimock Residency: Night III AT Sullivan Hall

Words & Photos By Karen Dugan (Tiny Rager)
For the last three weeks, Steve Kimock held residency at New York City's Sullivan Hall on the Lower East Side. The beauty of a residency is the opportunity to experience your favorite musician/group in various musical positions. Each week, Kimock was supported by a different line-up bringing us a dense Dead/New Orleans vibe the first week, creating vibrant jams with a younger generation of musicians the second week and finally destroying the audience with a fusion laden performance the third week.
The guests were as follows...
Night I:
Henry Butler (Acclaimed NOLA Keyboardist)
Andy Hess (Govt Mule, Black Crowes, John Scofield)
John Morgan Kimock (Crazy Engine)
Night II:
Marco Benevento
Marc Friedman (The Slip)
Adam Deitch (Lettuce, Breakscience)
Night III:
John Molo (Bruce Hornsby, Phil & Friends)
Pete Sears (Hot Tuna)
Andy Hess (Govt Mule, Black Crowes, John Scofield)
w/ opening act Moonalice

The rock solid rhythm duo in John Molo (Bruce Hornsby, Phil & Friends) and the phenomenal Andy Hess (Gov’t Mule, Black Crowes, John Scofield) alongside the gorgeous keyboard talent of Pete Sears (Hot Tuna) provided support for Kimock. These exceptionally seasoned musicians allowed Kimock to showcase his talents effortlessly, to an extent that a fire RARELY seen in our wonderful Mr. Kimock burst through over the progression of the night. Steve Kimock truly shined about as bright as I have ever seen him shine!
When I arrived at the intimate

Kimock's slow, calculated intro into the Jimmy Cliff tune, “Many Rivers To Cross”, was an audience favorite. Kimock utilized his Hawaiian lap steel to create the draw that defines the song. It was sullen and romantic at the same time. Couples swayed and smiles abounded on the audiences faces.
The jam into “Baby Baby”, another Kimock original, was wicked with Kimock lifting off his seat and onto his feet with a smile creeping out from the sides of his generally stagnant lips as Andy Hess's bass line locked it down. For those of you not familiar with Andy Hess, I suggest seeing him immediately. He is an artist in our community who is criminally slept on, providing a solid foundation in every project he plays participant and is rarely given credit when credit is due. The ability of an artist to hold back is just as important in certain musical scenarios as raging through with your instruments. Musicians need to remember this, but a lot tend to forget it. When

The second set was KILLER! A personal favorite, “Tangled Hangers”, had Steve dropping fusion-y solos and John Molo rocking the audience out. However, it was when the first note of “Tongue in Groove” hit that I became unbelievably happy as it is my favorite Steve Kimock tune. As I inhaled the gorgeous beginning of this song, I looked around at the room which was filled almost solely with older men. The masculine beauty of this song was not lost on a single man or women in the room. It's the ultimate love song. Half way through, Pete Sears destroyed a solo that elevated the jam immensely. So tight! I am going to let the video speak for itself.
“Golden Road” and its upbeat, dancing vibe brought out some hoots from the audience before people fell into their own dancing worlds. Peter Sears, another seasoned musician who knows how to withhold until given the window to let loose, showed his stellar ability on the keyboard without over shadowing Kimock. John Molo holding down the rhythm with Andy Hess was such a pairing, the two melded seamlessly together. At times, I kept thinking they should be recording this for a live CD release.
I believe that many people's disconnect

This third and final performance of Steve Kimock's residency had a distinct flow of comfortableness as a result of the musical experience that radiated off the stage that evening. Andy Hess, John Molo and Pete Sears showed us how to do things right, putting Kimock on his well-deserved pedestal as they all shined along with him at the correct times. And for someone who lacks stage presence during most of his performances, it was a wonderful treat to see Steve Kimock so spirited. Now all I have to say is, when can we see that happen again?
Set One: It's Up To You, Nang Chalk Pipe, Many Rivers To Cross, Baby Baby
Set Two: Tangled Hangers, Tongue in Groove, Golden Road, Slow Down
Steve Kimock Live at Sullivan Hall on April 6, 2011.
www.kimock.com

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